The short of it
You want to try VR, but don’t want to spend thousands of pounds on computers and specialist equipment.
At £85 ($105) Samsung Gear VR is the easy, affordable way to experience first-class VR.
Why do I care?
VR is going mainstream. All of the big guns from Sky, BBC and Netflix are making new experiences that have to be seen to be believed.
Samsung’s Gear VR is your ticket to the future.
So how does it work?
Gear VR looks like a snorkel mask strapped to your face.
It attaches to the latest Samsung smartphones including the Galaxy S7, S7 Edge and even the exploding Note 7. (Although we don’t recommend you strap a Note 7 to your face).
Powered by Oculus, the world’s leading VR platform, the Gear VR is the closest you can get the “real thing” without needing all the expensive equipment.
What can I do with it?
There are games, 360° videos and films and more.
Our favourites include Sisters, a terrifying new version of the Blair Witch Project (warning, you will scream out loud) and the BBC’s Rio Olympics experience, which puts you at the heart of the opening ceremony.
What’s the downside?
We found getting everything up and running trickier than expected.
The latest version of Gear VR needs power from your smartphone. It works with Micro USB (the one you will find on most smartphones) and USB C (a new standard). You’ll need to work out the right parts for your phone.
Reading the instructions and getting it set up reminded us of dark nights assembling IKEA flat pack furniture.
The showstopper?
Netflix in VR is awesome. After downloading the free app, you can watch your favourite shows in a virtual living room, complete with coffee table and dodgy decor.
Perfect for when you want to escape from reality on a long-haul flight.
Our take
If you want to try VR for yourself, you can pick up a cardboard VR headset for last little as £5.
But for just £85, Gear VR is a first-class upgrade to the best of virtual reality. If you already own a Samsung smartphone, there’s no better way to get a taste of the future.
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